Raceline Pirelli Suzuki’s Ryan Marmont is currently recovering from a severe concussion sustained at the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals season opener at Raymond Terrace last weekend.

Heading into moto one the seasoned MX2 competitor had qualified sixth overall in the stacked field, but at the mid-point of that moto, Marmont went down hard on the tricky MX Central circuit.

After landing directly on his head with his Suzuki RM-Z250 following closely behind, Marmont circulated to 23rd and the eight points awarded in the new point-structure.

He then headed to the Suzuki RACESAFE truck where it was revealed that he had indeed suffered a severe concussion.

“I think it was just before the half way point, I wasn’t pushing too hard or riding out of control and I was riding quite well I thought,” said Marmont.

“I was just starting to put a bit of a charge on and I hit something before a downhill ski jump, it just kicked me sideways and I landed right on top of my head and the bike cleaned me up as well.

“I ended up with quite a severe concussion. I got back on the bike but I didn’t know where I was – I was all over the place. I went and saw the RACESAFE guys and they came to the decision that I should sit out the last race due to how many concussions I’ve had in the last 12 months.

“It just wasn’t safe for me to ride and I totally respect their decision, they know the body better than I do. So it was kind of a bad way to start the year, but on the plus side I didn’t get severely injured and I’ll be right to go for the next round.”

As the Motocross series takes a weekend off, this will allow Marmont the time need to rest up and make his return at Murray Bridge’s round two in South Australia on 28 April.

“I’ve been resting my head up for the last few days and I’m feeling a lot better now,” he added. “I’m definitely looking forward to getting back into my normal routine again.”

Marmont suffered no further injuries from his crash and expects to be back at 100 percent after his head recovers from the impact.